The U.S. Tennis Association selected Rachel Gale of Cary to join the 2008 U.S. women’s tennis team. Gale will compete in this year’s Suzanne Lenglen Cup international tennis competition in Antalya, Turkey, Oct. 12-18.

This year’s competition will be played on European red clay courts. The United States got fifth place in competition in 2007 in Antalya. The Americans will attempt to win the cup when they compete in Turkey again this year against several of the world’s top women’s tennis teams.

This prestigious cup is for international tennis team competition for women ages 35 and older. It is sponsored by the International Tennis Federation. Gale is one of a four-women team selected by the USTA from the best players in her age division. Her teammates include Julie Cass and Michelle King, both from Austin, Texas, and Trish Riddell of Maitland, Fla.

Gale will be playing on the cup team for the first time. In 2008, she was runner up in singles in the 35s National Indoor and third at the 35s National Claycourts. She is ranked No. 6 in singles in the United States.

Gale is a tennis teaching professional at the Lochmere Swim and Tennis Club and also the assistant tennis coach at Meredith College.